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Remarkably Jane: Notable Quotations on Jane Austen
The wit of Jane Austen has for partner the perfection of her taste.
Virginia Woolf, 1925It wasn't really me that everyone went crazy about--it was the character [Fitzwilliam Darcy], who'd been around for a couple of centuries.
Colin Firth, 1997Every time I read Pride and Prejudice I want to dig her up and hit her over the skull with her own shin-bone.
Mark Twain, 1898For those of us who suspect all the mysteries of life are contained in the microcosm of the family, that personal relationships prefigure all else, the work of Jane Austen is the Rosetta stone of literature.
Anna Quindlen, 1995
- GenresNonfiction
128 pages, Hardcover
First published January 5, 2009
3 people are currently reading
96 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Adams
182 books199 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Jennifer Adams is the author of more than forty books. Her bestselling BabyLit board books (published by Gibbs Smith) introduce small children to the world of classic literature and have sold 1.5 million copies. She is the author of another series of board books, My Little Cities.
Jennifer’s picture books for children, Edgar Gets Ready for Bed, Edgar and the Tattle-Tale Heart and Edgar and the Tree House of Usher are inspired by Edgar Allan Poe’s poem “The Raven.” She also has two new picture books forthcoming from HarperCollins.
Her titles also include books for adults, including Y is for Yorick, a slightly irreverent look at Shakespeare, and Remarkably Jane, notable quotations on Jane Austen.
Jennifer graduated from the University of Washington. She has 20 years’ experience as a book editor, including at Gibbs Smith and Quirk Books. She currently works as a consulting editor for Sounds True, developing their children’s line. Jennifer works some evenings at her local independent bookstore, The King’s English, to feed her book habit. She lives in Salt Lake City with her husband, Bill Dunford, who is also a writer.
(bio from author's website)
Jennifer Adams is the author of more than forty books. Her bestselling BabyLit board books (published by Gibbs Smith) introduce small children to the world of classic literature and have sold 1.5 million copies. She is the author of another series of board books, My Little Cities.
Jennifer’s picture books for children, Edgar Gets Ready for Bed, Edgar and the Tattle-Tale Heart and Edgar and the Tree House of Usher are inspired by Edgar Allan Poe’s poem “The Raven.” She also has two new picture books forthcoming from HarperCollins.
Her titles also include books for adults, including Y is for Yorick, a slightly irreverent look at Shakespeare, and Remarkably Jane, notable quotations on Jane Austen.
Jennifer graduated from the University of Washington. She has 20 years’ experience as a book editor, including at Gibbs Smith and Quirk Books. She currently works as a consulting editor for Sounds True, developing their children’s line. Jennifer works some evenings at her local independent bookstore, The King’s English, to feed her book habit. She lives in Salt Lake City with her husband, Bill Dunford, who is also a writer.
(bio from author's website)
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
September 6, 2019
As another reviewer stated, I thought this was a collection of quotes from Jane Austen but it is quotes about her. They run hot and cold. People seem to either love her work or hate it. I am somewhere in the middle but it was interesting to see who lands where. I was intrigued to learn that Emerson was not a fan. My two favourite quotes:
"For those of us who suspect all the mysteries of life are contained in the microcosm of the family, that personal relationships prefigure all else, the work of Jane Austen is the Rosetta stone of literature." -Anna Quindlen
"I'm just as interested in the love story between the sisters (in Sense and Sensibility) as I am in seeing Marianne (and Elinor fall in love). It's as much about family as it is about love." -Emma Thompson
"For those of us who suspect all the mysteries of life are contained in the microcosm of the family, that personal relationships prefigure all else, the work of Jane Austen is the Rosetta stone of literature." -Anna Quindlen
"I'm just as interested in the love story between the sisters (in Sense and Sensibility) as I am in seeing Marianne (and Elinor fall in love). It's as much about family as it is about love." -Emma Thompson
February 25, 2019
Cute little book full of quotes about Jane Austen from other authors, actors/actresses, and directors/screenwriters, and more.
May 14, 2011
Overall, this is a fun little volume.
The wonderful green pages interspersed throughout, the variety of type sizes (also in green), and the floral embellishments on the page corners make the book an aesthetically pleasing read as well.
A self-professed Janeite, Jennifer Adams has compiled a nice set of quotations about the beloved Jane and her writings.
Some of my favorites:
"Affection [is] a word that Austen values over love. Affection between a woman and man, in Austen, is the more profound and lasting emotion." ~Harold Bloom
"For all the body's powers and vulnerability, [Austen's] novels demonstrate that, for her, the real dance of life lies in language and in understanding." ~Carol Shields (biographer of Jane Austen)
"There would be more genuine rejoicing at the discovery of a complete new novel by Jane Austen than any other literary discovery, short of a new major play by Shakespeare." ~Margaret Drabble
Adams has put together all sorts of quotations from a variety sources. Some exude praise; others don't. Some hit the nail precisely on the head (which basically only means that I agree entirely); others are controversial. These juxtapositions, however, strengthen this little work because they make Austen human, (more) likeable, perhaps even mysterious. In a word, they make her real.
The one thing that disturbed me about the book, however, is that Adams draws it to a close with a section on criticism and condemnation. Of course there's nothing wrong with including such remarks, but at the end of the work? As a fellow Janeite, that's not how I want to a finish a volume about my favorite author!
Granted, this book probably isn't meant to be read from cover to cover, but I think Adams would have done better to somehow combine the praise and condemnation sections or switch them or simply end things differently. Another quotation by Jane herself (that's how the book starts) or even another stand alone comment would also do.
Perhaps Kipling's poem would have been fitting close?
"Jane lies
in Winchester--blessed be her shade!
Praise the Lord for making her,
and her for all she made!
And while the stones of Winchester,
or Milsom Street, remain,
Glory, love, and honor
unto England's Jane."
Nevertheless, I'm happy to add this elegant volume to my bookshelf's "Jane section"!
The wonderful green pages interspersed throughout, the variety of type sizes (also in green), and the floral embellishments on the page corners make the book an aesthetically pleasing read as well.
A self-professed Janeite, Jennifer Adams has compiled a nice set of quotations about the beloved Jane and her writings.
Some of my favorites:
"Affection [is] a word that Austen values over love. Affection between a woman and man, in Austen, is the more profound and lasting emotion." ~Harold Bloom
"For all the body's powers and vulnerability, [Austen's] novels demonstrate that, for her, the real dance of life lies in language and in understanding." ~Carol Shields (biographer of Jane Austen)
"There would be more genuine rejoicing at the discovery of a complete new novel by Jane Austen than any other literary discovery, short of a new major play by Shakespeare." ~Margaret Drabble
Adams has put together all sorts of quotations from a variety sources. Some exude praise; others don't. Some hit the nail precisely on the head (which basically only means that I agree entirely); others are controversial. These juxtapositions, however, strengthen this little work because they make Austen human, (more) likeable, perhaps even mysterious. In a word, they make her real.
The one thing that disturbed me about the book, however, is that Adams draws it to a close with a section on criticism and condemnation. Of course there's nothing wrong with including such remarks, but at the end of the work? As a fellow Janeite, that's not how I want to a finish a volume about my favorite author!
Granted, this book probably isn't meant to be read from cover to cover, but I think Adams would have done better to somehow combine the praise and condemnation sections or switch them or simply end things differently. Another quotation by Jane herself (that's how the book starts) or even another stand alone comment would also do.
Perhaps Kipling's poem would have been fitting close?
"Jane lies
in Winchester--blessed be her shade!
Praise the Lord for making her,
and her for all she made!
And while the stones of Winchester,
or Milsom Street, remain,
Glory, love, and honor
unto England's Jane."
Nevertheless, I'm happy to add this elegant volume to my bookshelf's "Jane section"!
December 6, 2015
I thought this book was going to be insightful quotes from Jane Austen, not quotes about her. Needless to say, I was quite disappointed. I'm baffled by the purpose of this book.
July 26, 2019
A cute and cool little book for Jane Austen.
Jennifer Adams compiled a set of quotations about Jane from other authors, screenwriters, directors and actors/actresses from Austen’s book to movie adaptations.
The only thing I find weird is the placing of the contents. Because criticism and condemnation were placed last. I would appreciate it more if the book ended in a good tone. But overall, it’s fun book for a Janeite fan.
Some favorite quotations:
“Austen tells us how much we have to suffer in order to find real love and truth as well as the pain of growing up. These conflicts in one way or another determine our lives.” - Ang Lee, 1995 Director of the 1995 film version of Sense and Sensibility.
“Everybody believes in some way that they are Lizzie Bennet.” - Keira Knightly, 2005 actress portraying Elizabeth Bennet in 2005 film version of Pride and Prejudice.
Jennifer Adams compiled a set of quotations about Jane from other authors, screenwriters, directors and actors/actresses from Austen’s book to movie adaptations.
The only thing I find weird is the placing of the contents. Because criticism and condemnation were placed last. I would appreciate it more if the book ended in a good tone. But overall, it’s fun book for a Janeite fan.
Some favorite quotations:
“Austen tells us how much we have to suffer in order to find real love and truth as well as the pain of growing up. These conflicts in one way or another determine our lives.” - Ang Lee, 1995 Director of the 1995 film version of Sense and Sensibility.
“Everybody believes in some way that they are Lizzie Bennet.” - Keira Knightly, 2005 actress portraying Elizabeth Bennet in 2005 film version of Pride and Prejudice.
August 18, 2022
Light reading to fill in waiting time. Large fonts and nice layouts. A complilation of views on Jane Austen's publication both positively and negatively. The book answers for me the questions asked of me: why I like reading Jane Austen. I love the structure and family stories, away from suspense and adventure. There is always new things to learn by reading her books and other books too.
June 2, 2024
I consider some of the quotations as dangerously incomplete and lacking in context: more than once, I arrived at a different understanding of the quotations after reading the fuller original sources.
I like that this book is broken down into multifaceted categories and includes unfavourable views of Jane Austen, though.
I like that this book is broken down into multifaceted categories and includes unfavourable views of Jane Austen, though.
June 15, 2020
It is a collection of quotes about Jane Austen from other authors and artists. At first, I was quite disappointed but nevertheless it is a fun and wonderful little book if you want to know what people think about her works. It encouraged me to read another Austen's.
July 18, 2025
"I've never read a Jane Austen novel in my life." - Stephen King
Upon picking up this book, I have not read a single Jane Austen novel as well. Now I'm curious as to what the hype is all about. 🤔
Upon picking up this book, I have not read a single Jane Austen novel as well. Now I'm curious as to what the hype is all about. 🤔
October 23, 2010
100 quotations on Jane Austen. Seriously, I could author a book like that. But that's neither here nor there.
a few favs:
"Elizabeth [Bennet] has a thousand faults...is often blind, pert, audacious, imprudent; and yet how splendidly she comes out of it all! Alive to the very tips of her fingers." -unsigned article in The Academy, 1898
"The gaiety is unextinguished, the irony has kept its bite, the reasoning is still sweet, the sparkle undiminished...Jane Austen's work [is] irresistible and as nearly flawless as any fiction could be." -Eudora Welty, 1969
"That Jane! For a quiet spinster who rarely ventured farther than Bath, she does get around." -Patricia T. O'Conner, 2004
"Every time I read Pride and Prejudice I want to dig her up and hit her over the skull with her own shin-bone." -Mark Twain, 1898 The reason I like this quote so much is because no matter how much he dislikes her, he freely admits to reading her over and over. What a funny guy.
a few favs:
"Elizabeth [Bennet] has a thousand faults...is often blind, pert, audacious, imprudent; and yet how splendidly she comes out of it all! Alive to the very tips of her fingers." -unsigned article in The Academy, 1898
"The gaiety is unextinguished, the irony has kept its bite, the reasoning is still sweet, the sparkle undiminished...Jane Austen's work [is] irresistible and as nearly flawless as any fiction could be." -Eudora Welty, 1969
"That Jane! For a quiet spinster who rarely ventured farther than Bath, she does get around." -Patricia T. O'Conner, 2004
"Every time I read Pride and Prejudice I want to dig her up and hit her over the skull with her own shin-bone." -Mark Twain, 1898 The reason I like this quote so much is because no matter how much he dislikes her, he freely admits to reading her over and over. What a funny guy.
September 23, 2009
We all know I'm besotted by Jane. So, how could I resist this little confection of a book? I loved luxuriating in quote after quote lavishing praise & adoration from Janeites, and even got a good laugh from the less than stellar reviews {Mark Twain & Emerson!}. I find it VERY interesting that some of my most-cherished writers (Henry James, C.S. Lewis, Edith Wharton, E.M. Forster, Harper Lee, Anna Quindlen, Shannon Hale to NAME A FEW) were effusive in their praise for Austen's craft. Kindred spirits, that's all. Hey, Harold Bloom even loves her & that's saying something.
These wonderful little soundbites expressed so eloquently why I love Jane Austen's writing. I just might have to post a few choice quotes over the next few days . . .
These wonderful little soundbites expressed so eloquently why I love Jane Austen's writing. I just might have to post a few choice quotes over the next few days . . .
December 5, 2009
Some quotes from the book:
"One of Jane Austen's greatest talents is that she presents sexual tension with such subtlety."
"For all the body's powers and vulnerability, [Austen's:] novels demonstrate that, for her, the real dance of life lies in language and in understanding."
"Each of us has a private Austen."
This was a wonderful collection of quotes on Austen and her works. This book even throws in the criticism and condemnation quotes! Yes, I can't believe they're out there! Great read for Austen fans everywhere!
"One of Jane Austen's greatest talents is that she presents sexual tension with such subtlety."
"For all the body's powers and vulnerability, [Austen's:] novels demonstrate that, for her, the real dance of life lies in language and in understanding."
"Each of us has a private Austen."
This was a wonderful collection of quotes on Austen and her works. This book even throws in the criticism and condemnation quotes! Yes, I can't believe they're out there! Great read for Austen fans everywhere!
January 5, 2012
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/1423604...
=1333391087&sr=1-1
I purchased this book after reading the description of it from the link above.
I feel as if this description built the book up to be much more than it is. I was expecting a more in depth study into Jane Austen than I found.
This book is a delightfully charming, colorfully presented book of quotes about Jane Austen. If you are looking for an in depth study... this isn't it.
It was very fun to read what people thought of Jane Austen though!
=1333391087&sr=1-1
I purchased this book after reading the description of it from the link above.
I feel as if this description built the book up to be much more than it is. I was expecting a more in depth study into Jane Austen than I found.
This book is a delightfully charming, colorfully presented book of quotes about Jane Austen. If you are looking for an in depth study... this isn't it.
It was very fun to read what people thought of Jane Austen though!
January 31, 2011
This is a cute little book of comments about, reactions to, and quips on Jane Austen. It's more an amusing distraction that something to sit down and read, and Austen fans would probably appreciate it as a gift.
April 21, 2012
Brave with the adrenaline of a new library card I issued Remarkably Jane. The whole time I was reading this I felt I was trolling. It totally counts as one of my 50 books! The book was worthwhile I guess, hopefully I can use some of the quotations in an essay.
January 6, 2014
Enjoyed reading of others love for Jane. This book has only reinforced my admiration for her as an author, and has given me ammunition against anyone who dares malign her talent! It doesn't hurt that the cover design is very smart, too.
May 18, 2009
It was fun to hear what other people have to say about Jane Austen.
March 26, 2010
This came a a gift from a dear friend who knows my deep devotion to Jane Austen. A nice collection of writings for and against JA.
April 10, 2012
It was a fun read and intriguing to see what others thought about Austen's works. I don't think it was what I expected.
October 16, 2010
The perfect gift book! I received it as a gift and plan to pass on the fun. Not all quotes are in support of JA, so look for Mark Twain's thoughts on the subject.
March 5, 2011
It is a quick read. It contains quotes from authors and the actors/directors/writers, etc. of the many movies, etc. made using Jane Austen's books. Many agree with me that she is the "best."
January 12, 2011
A delight to read! Perfect for any Jane Austen fan.
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June 23, 2015You can never say to much about Jane
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews